We are seeking an experienced Procurement & Contracts Manager to join our client on an initial 4-month contract, with potential for extension.

The role will provide cover for a senior team member and support a range of procurement and commercial activities as part of a significant business transformation programme.

A key focus of the role will be managing procurement projects and supporting the implementation of a new procurement and contract management system. The successful candidate will have extensive experience in negotiating and drafting contracts and Statements of Work (SOWs), as well as managing strategic supplier agreements and delivering effective commercial outcomes.

Strong stakeholder management skills are essential, as the role will involve working closely with internal stakeholders, suppliers and external partners across the organisation. This is an excellent opportunity to gain broad exposure across the business while contributing to a major transformation programme.

Responsibilities

• Manage commercial relationships with strategic suppliers, including contract change notices, SOWs, and regular service and commercial review meetings.
• Drive cost savings through contract renewals and portfolio initiatives, contributing to procurement savings targets and providing commercial support to stakeholders.
• Lead end-to-end tender processes, including supplier evaluation, selection, negotiation and contracting.
• Support the testing, implementation and roll-out of a new procurement and contract management system.
• Provide procurement, commercial and programme support across a range of projects and initiatives.
• Identify and manage commercial risks, ensuring contracts and supplier relationships deliver value for money.
• Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders, suppliers and legal teams to ensure effective contract execution and management.

Knowledge & Skills

• Solid experience working as a Procurement Manager or in a comparable procurement and commercial role.
• Experience delivering procurement and commercial projects.
• CIPS qualified or currently working towards a relevant qualification.
• Strong contract management experience, including supplier commercial management, contract performance analysis, end-to-end contract and supplier management, and commercial risk management.
• Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to identify opportunities and deliver value-for-money commercial solutions.
• Proven negotiation skills, with an understanding of supplier management and the ability to assess commercial trade-offs when making decisions.
• Extensive contracting experience, particularly working with legal teams to negotiate and execute agreements and Statements of Work (SOWs).
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver effectively within a fast-paced environment.

Handle Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.